Printing apparatus



Aug. 20, 1940. w. B. PAYNE 2,212,124

PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April l5, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet l EXECUTIVE OPERATUR INVENTOR Zfa/fe/ Pay/7e B alla@ 4m his ATTORNEY Aug. 20, 1940. w. B. PAYNE 2,212,124

PRINTING APFARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April l5, 1938 Z5 Z9 H4. j

zg INVENTOR g M/zef. Pa ne Aug 20, l940- w. B. PAYNE PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April l5, 1938 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 '0% INVENTOR Aug. 20, 1940. w. s. PAYNE PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April l5, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Z/O/zcf' 19.

ATTORNEY 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 W. B. PAYNE PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April l5, /1958 Aug. 20,' 1940.

O mmam UIIIIHUIIIIIII Hh HH H M Y/fe/LNNLS-)vyne Rig 6 8%WXM ms ATTORNEY www IroO

Patented Aug. 20, 1940 Ntrice PMNTENG AARATUS Walter B. Payne, Rochester, N. Y., assigner to The Todd Company, Inc., Rochester,A N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April i5, 193g, Serial No. 202,261 16 Glaims. `(Cl. lOl-299) The present invention relates to means for printing upon instruments or documents, such as checks, drafts or other commercial papers, an authenticating mark or signatureof the maker to render the instrument negotiable or valid,

machines of this character being commonly known in the art as signing machines.

An object of the invention is the provision of a generally improved and more satisfactory machine of this kind which may be constructed economically, which is of simple design and not likely to get out of order, and which is light, compact and of pleasing appearance.

Another object is the provision of the machine so designed that it may be entirely under the control of the maker of the instrument represented by the signature or mark, or Wholly or partially under the control of a duly authorized individual or operator.

Still another object is the provision of separate locking means for controlling different functions of the machine, one of the locking means intended to be under the control of the individual Whose signature is represented by the imprint made by the machine or a duly authorized agent thereof, and the other locking means intended to be under the control of an individual who may be delegated to operate the machine.

A further object is the provision of a printing or signature plate carrier adapted to be moved to a plurality of positions under the control of two independent locking means.

A still further object of the machine is the provision of a removable top portion or cover provided With means to retain certain of the other cover plates in position and also locking means to control the removal of said portion or cover from the machine so as to prevent access to the internal operating mechanism.

A further object is the provision of a machine wherein one lock, such as the makers or executive lock, is adapted to control the movement of a shiftable printing or signature plate carrier Which is movable to and from a normal nonprint position to a load position for removal of the plate from the machine, and also to control access to the 'internal operating mechanism of the machine. i

A further object is the provision of another lock, such as an operators lock, adapted to control the movement of the shiftable printing or signature plate carrier, to and from a nonprint position to a print position, and also control the operating mechanism so that when l the machine is locked in a non-prin position the operating mechanism, including the impression mechanism, cannot be actuated by another or unauthorized party.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a registering means adapted to account fo-r each actuation of the machine and each printed impression produced thereby.

Still another object is the provision of full stroke ratchet mechanisms positioned with the teeth thereof in staggeredrelationship and operative lthrough certain parts of the cycle of operation of the machine so as to require a complete single operation of the impression mechanism, andv also to eliminate the possibility of an impression being made by the machine without it being accounted for by thev registering means.

Still another object is the provision of a removable portion or cover of the machine supporting a` plurality of locking means which are adapted to control certain functions or operations of the machine, as Well as to control access to the internal operating mechanism thereof, and the locking'means being so arranged that upon releasing one ofthe locks the portion or cover of the machine may be removed even though another of the locking means is allowed to remain locked.

Still another object of the machin-e is the position of a removable signature or printing plate provided vvith a jack-knife gripping means adapted to be automatically rendered accessible only When' the plate carrier o f the machine is in a certain predetermined position, such as the load position. f

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain iniprove'mentsV and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being PointedV out in the claims at the end ofthespecication.

` In the drawings: v

Fig. l is a'plan View of a machine embodying the inver'ition;v I y Y Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 3 is a plan View with the casingin section and the top plate removed to more clearly shovv the interior structure of the machine;

Fig. ll is a fragmentary vertical sectional View taken` substantially in' the plane of the line 4-4 of Fig. '3, showing the operating mechanism in normal position and the printing plate carrier adjusted to the print position;

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially in the plane of the line -5-5 of Fig. v3,

showing the parts in a similar to Fig. 4 position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan `view showing more particularly the executives and operators lock carried by the top plate and the mechanism associated therewith;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View taken in the plane of the line '1 -1 of Fig. 6, showingthe printing plate carrier locked in nonprint position by the operators lock.

8"is a vertical sectional View taken inthe plane oi the line 8--8 of Fig. 6, showing the executives lock unlocked and the printing plate carrier adjusted to the load position opposite an aperture in the casing so that the printing plate may be freely removed from the machine; i

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan View of part of the machine including the printing plate and carrier shown in full lines in a position corresponding to the load position as disclosed by Fig. 8; and the printing plate shown in a dotted line position corresponding to the position assumed when the plate carrier is adjusted to the nonprint position.

Fig. 10 is a plan View of the printing .or signature plate removed 'from the machine; and

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary portion of a check or other negotiable instrument having printed thereon a facsimile signature produced by the machine;

Similar reference numerals throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

With the increasing use of bank checks, drafts and other negotiable instruments by the individuals as well-as large and small business institutions, who frequently nnd it laborious or inconvenient to inscribe a written signature on a large number of instruments, it is highly desirable to have a machine to impress a facsimile signature on such instruments. In oiiice and business institutions such a machine may be under the control of an executive, but the actual opera-tion thereof delegated to a subordinate, thereby relieving the executive of the time `taking and laborious task of signing instruments so that he can devote his time to far better advantage. In the past, several methods have been employed, such as using machines whereby one or more signatures are scribed or imprinted on an instrument. rPhe former methods have had the advantage of reducing the degree of labor connected with rendering such instruments negotiable but did notk eliminate the necessity of the executive or maker of the instrument doing the work personally because of inadequate safeguards so that the operation may be delegated to another.

The machine of my invention overcomes this serious disadvantage in that it may be controlled by locking mechanisms which provide means whereby the machine cannot be used Without being conditioned by the executive or person whose signature is to be affixed to the instrument, and also provides means whereby the operation of the conditioned machine is normally under the control operator or person who may be delegated to sign the instruments.

The machine forming my invention is relatively simple in construction and operation, so that unskilled individuals may use it. The machine when conditioned by the executive, due to the locking means normally under the control of the operator, may be left available for use by the operator, for any period of time and the provision of a registering device, will disclose the number of impressions made by the operator and s certain safety features prohibit manipulation of the device to give an erroneous record. The printing or signature plate under the control of the locks may be retained in the machine or removed for safe keeping or change.

When the word check is used herein, it shall vbe construed to mean any type of business form check together with a symbolical signature in the form of a symbol, sign or trade-mark, both of which may be arranged on a background of dots, lines or other configurations. This facsimile signature may be printed in a single or varied color or with Zones thereof in diierent colors depending upon the color scheme of the inking ribbon.

The present embodiment of my invention comprises a casing indicated generally by the numeral I il consisting of an upper section II and a base section I2 having a bed surface I3 upon which a sheet or check is adapted to be positioned in the machine, when an impression is to be applied thereto. Adjustable stops IQ, such as common in the art, may be used to position the sheet with respect to the printing line of the machine, designated by the word signature provided on the side plate, as shown in Fig. 2. As a means of facilitating the proper positioning a large size sheet with respect to the printing line of the machine, a guide I5 is provided adjustably secured to the base section I2 by the thumb screws I6. The top edge of a sheet may be placed against the upwardly formed flange Il of the guide I5. As an aid to lateral positioning of a sheet, an extension guide I8 is adjustably supported on the guide plate I 5 by bolts and thumb nuts 2B. The eX- tensicn guide I8 is provided with the upwardly formed ange i9 against which one side edge of the sheet may be positioned.

The upper section EI of my machine comprises side frames 2i and 2id spaced apart by series of tie rods 22, and enclosed by side cover plates 23 and 24, together with a readily removable rear cover 25, a front cover 26, and a top cover 34, Figs. l, 2 and 4. The side plates 23 and 2li are suitably secured to the side frames 2| and 2Ia by screws, not shown. The removable rear cover plate 25 is retained in position at its lower edge by the ears 2l' formed inward from the side flange thereof and latch over laterally extending lugs 23 formed from the rear ribbon spool supporting brackets 1380, Figs. 4 and`5. The lower portion of the removable front cover plate 25 is similarly retained in position by the ears 3D formed from the side flanges thereof and latch over the laterally extending lugs 3l of the front ribbon supporting bracket 32. Adjacent the top edges of the covers 25 and 2S, openings 25a and 28a are provided which are engaged by dowel pins 33v rigid with the removable top plate 34 as best shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. Disposed between the side frames 2I and 2Ia are the angle members 35, supporting aguard plate 33 held in position by the screws 31. vThe guard plate 36 is formed at each end with a saddle portion straddling the angle members 35 and arranged parallel to the top of the machine. Each of these saddle portions is provided with openings 38a. The dowel pins 33 rigid with the top plate 34 are adapted to engage the openings 25d and 26a in the top of the plates 25 and 26, and also engage the openings 36a in the guard plate 36 to retain the cover plates in position. As will be hereinafter described, the top plate 34 may be locked in position by an executive lock, so that it will be seen that with the structure described, the dowels 33 will retain upper edge of the front and back cover plates 25 and 26 in position until the top cover plate 34 is removed under the control of the executives lock.

The base section I2 includes the side channel frames 39 supporting 'the impression mechanism and cover portion generally indicated by the reference number 38 having the bed surface I3 for supporting a sheet. A removable base plate 29 is normally locked in position to prevent tampering with operating mechanism arranged in the base section. The upper section H and the base section I2 are suitably connected by C- shaped plates di) secured to` the side frames 2! and 26a and 39 so as to provide an opening between the case portions for the reception of a sheet.

A removable printing or signature plate il is supported by an oscillatory plate carrier 42 pivoted on the rigid shaft d3 extending transversely between the upper side frames 2i. The ends of the shaft 5.13 are supported by the frames 2l and 24a and the plates M3, and are anchored thereto by the screws lli threaded in each end thereof, Figs. 2, 4 and 5. IThe carrier 42 is provided with an undercut groove for reception of the die di, having suitable ribs on the longitudinal side edges.

The plate carrier i2 is adapted to be oscillated on the shaft t3 to a plurality of predetermined positionsunder the control of a locking system. For the purpose of this disclosure, we iind it convenient to show an executives lock l5 and an `operatons lock 63 carried by the removable cover plate 35. With this arrangement, when the machine is totally locked or at the nonprint position, as shown in Fig. 7, the printing plate and carrier are disposed away from the printing line of the machine and the plate is not accessible for removal from the carrier, nor can the operating handle be actuated. On the other hand, if only the operators lock 63 is unlocked, the carrier and printing plate may be shifted to the print position, as shown in 5, to position the printing plate at the printing line and permit actuation of the operating means to effect cooperative engagement of the printing couple to produce an impression. In the event only the executives lock 45 is unlocked, the carrier and printing plate may be shifted from the non-print position to the load position, as shown in Fig. 8, so that the printing plate may be withdrawn from the carrier. The executives lock also controls the cover latch mechanism hereinafter described, `so that when it is unlocked, the latch mechanism may be actuated to permit removal of the top plate 3i. The removal of the top plate 34 will then permit of the removal of the front and rear cover plates 25 and 26 to allow access to the internal operating mechanism of the machine. However, unlocking only the executives lock with the top plate 34 in normal position on the machine does not permit actuation oi the operating means toproduce an impression. The operating means is normally under control of the operators lock. v

The executives lock 45 is carried by the removable top plate 34 which has a channel member 45 rigidly secured thereto by the spacing rivets 48, Figs. 5 and 8. A stud 41 passes through an opening in one flange of the channel 45 and has the other end thereof threaded into the other flange of the channel. This stud 4l serves to hold the lock chamber in position adjacent the Obviously, if the shifted on the pivot rod 5I to the position shown in Fig. 8.

The top. cover latch 5U having a hub 50a is held from lateral displacement on the rod 5I by a suitable spring lock washer, not shown. The portion 52 of the latch 5i! is in the plane of the bolt 49 when the executives lock is locked, Figs. 5 and 6. When the latch 5G is in a certain position a hook shaped projection 53 formed thereon extends over the top of the laterally disposed stud 5d fixed to downwardly formed side flange 34u of the top plate 34. The lower end of latch 55 carries a laterally extending stud 55 which projects through registered elongated openings 55 formed in the side plate 2| and cover plate 23. Mounted on the end of the stud 55 extending exteriorly of the casing is a knurled knob 5l', Figs. 1 and 2.

At one side of the plate carrier 42 and adjacent the side frame 2 l, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, there is provided a guard plate 59 pvotally supported at one point on the shaft 43 and rigidly secured at another point to the plate carrier 42 by the stud 63. The guard plate 53 has a lower protruding portion 6! which in certain positions of the carrier with which it operates serves to substantially cover the registered openings 62 formed in the side plate 2| and side cover plate 23. An upwardly extending portion 59a of the guard 5S is adapted to be disposed in the path of the plate a. of the operating mechanism when the carrier 42 is in any other position than the prin position, as will be hereinafter more clearly described. The laterally extending stud 55 carried by this latch 50, engages the angular slot 58 formed in the guard plate 59 to provide an operating lconnection therewith. A tension spring 'IDB having one end held by the cross rod HJ! and the other 4end carried by the stud 55, tends at all times to move the latch 50 in a clockwise direction.

The operators lock 63 is also carried by the removable top cover plate 434 which has the channel member 46a rigidly secured thereto by spacingrivets 48a, Figs. l and 4'. A stud Illa retains the lock unit 63 adjacent the closed end of the channel 46a. The bolt 64 of the operators lock 63 is adapted to be moved to and from the path of travel of the latch member 65. Operators lock 63 is in the locked position as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, wherein the bolt 64 is in the path of the projecting portion 66 of the latch member 65. In this position, the extending hooked portion 61 of the latch 55 is disposed over the top of a laterally extending stud 54a carried by the other side flange 34h of the top plate 34. The lower portion of the latch 65 carries a laterally extending stud 68 which engages the bifurcated end of a plate 69 supported at one point on the shaft 43 adjacent the other .end of the carrier i2 and adjacent the other side` plate 2id. The plate 69 is held rigid with the carrier l2 at another point by the stud 10. The latch 65 has a hub 65a and is held from displacement on the rod 5I by a spring lock washer, not shown. It will now be seen that any movement of the knob 51 carried by stud 55 will not only shift the plate carrier 42 but also the latches 5Band 65, according to the position of the lock bolts 49 and 66, it being dethe cover 34 may be readily removed even though the operators lock 63 remains locked.

A platen 1| adapted to be moved into cooperp ative engagement with the printing plate 4| when the carrier 42 is adjusted to the print position at the printing line ofthe machine, may be of any suitable material. The platen 1| is suitably carried by the holder 13, adjustably supported on the platen arm 14, pivotally mounted on the cross shaft 15 having its ends supported in the lower channel frames 39. Adjusting means for the platen holder 13 comprises the adjusting screws 16 threaded into the holder 13 and passing through the adjustable bushings 11 threaded in the platen arm 14. The platen arm 14 is in cooperative engagement with a roller 18 carried by the stud 19 having its end supported in the rocker arm 80 carried by the cross shaft 8| having its ends supported in suitable bearings on the lower frame 39.

The machine is provided with a main operating shaft 86 journaled for rotation in the side frame plates 2| and 2|a. This shaft extends through the right hand side plate 21a and is provided with a means for turning it. If the machine is to be hand operated the right hand end of the shaft may be provided with an operating lever 88. At opposite sides of the machine are two crank arms 252 pinned to the shaft 86. Each of these arms has pivoted to it at 81 the upper end of a link 84, the lower end of which has a long slot 83 which embraces the end of a cross rod 82 carried by the rear ends of arms forming part of the rocker arm 80. When the main operating shaft 86 is turned in a clockwise direction Fig. 4, to operate the machine, the links 84 are forced downwardly. Be-

cause of the slots 83, the rod 82 is not operated at rst, but near the latter part of the downward movement the arms 252, the upper ends of the slots 83 come into contact with the rod 82 and begin to force the rod downwardly, so that the parts act as a toggle to rock the arm 80 and raise the platen lever 14 to effect cooperative engagement of the members of the printing couple, comprising the printing plate 4| and platen 1|.

A transfer member, such as an ink ribbon, is disposed between the members of printing couple, as generally indicated by the numeral 89. Means is provided to advance the transfer member 89 from the supply spool 90, provided in the front of the machine, to the winding spool 9| positioned at .the rear of the machine, upon each actuationV of the main operating shaft 86. While the ribbon may be of any single color, I prefer to use a multi-color ribbon wherein the color scheme is made up with the colors of the ribbon blended or divided into Zones arranged longitudinally of the ribbon to produce, for example, an imprint as shown in Fig. 11.

The ribbon advancing means embodied in this machine is substantially of the character shown and described in my Patent No. 2,092,852, dated September 14, 1937, covering a Check writing machine. This mechanism generally consist of vthe structure which comprises an actuating cam 340 rigid with the crank arm 252. The cam 340 is shaped, as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings, having a surface 34| for engagement with the follower roller 342 on the lever 343 pivoted on the shaft |25. The lever 343 carries a stud 49| which has a laterally extending eccentric portion in engagement with the bifurcated end of an actuator 490 supported by a ribbon spool supporting stud, not shown but carried by the rear ribbon supporting brackets 480 mounted adjacent the side plates 2| and 2|a. The actuator 490 tends to keep the dog in a feeding engagement with the ratchet teeth 483 on the spool. A holding dog 495 pivoted to the bracket 480 on the stud 496, normally engages the ratchet teeth to prevent the displacement or reverse rotation thereof and the spool 9|.

Means is provided for latching the holding dog 485 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 483 and also to displace the winding pawl 485 from engagement therewith when it is desired to rewind the ribbon from the winding spool 9| to the supply spool 90. The means for disabling the winding pawl and the holding dog comprises a lever 509 pivoted at 50| to the bracket 480 which is provided with a recess 502 adapted to be engaged by a stud 503 extending laterally from the holding dog 495. The projection 505 of the holding pawl 495 extends through a slot in the rear cover plate 25, Fig. 4. By manually depressing the projection 505 downward, the pawl 495 is rocked counter-clockwise against the tension of a spring 491 connected to the lever 500 and the holding dog 495. The holding dog 495 is provided with a projecting portion 506 adapted to engage a laterally extending lug 501 formed on the winding pawl 485. It will be seen that upon depression of the projection 505 of the holding dog 495, the stud 503 will engage and latch with the recess 502 of the lever 500 to hold the dog 495 out of contact of ratchet teeth 483. The downward movement of the kholding dog 495 will also move the portion 506 into engagement with the projection 501 of the winding pawl 485 to hold the pawl 485 out of engagement with the ratchet 483, thereby freeing and permitting reverse rotation of the spool 9| so that the ribbon may be rewound to the supply spool 90 by any suitable means.

Upon each actuation of the operating shaft 85 by movement of the operating lever 38, the cam 340 will cause the lever 343 to rock in a counterclockwise direction from that viewed in Fig. 4. The rocking movement of the lever 343 will cause the actuating member 490 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the axis of the spool 9|, and move the winding pawl 435 to give a corresponding rotation to the ratchet member 483 and the spool 9|. Each actuation of the machine winds a portion of the ribbon on the spool 9| unwinding it from the front supply spool 90 so as to bring a fresh portion of the ribbon to the printing line of the machine.

The cam 340 is designed to swing the lever 343 during the early part of each operating movement prior to the upper end of the slot 83 of the link 84 engaging the rod 82 of the platen rocker arm 80. The dwell of the surface 34| of the cam 340 holds the ribbon advance means idle during the cooperative engagement of the printing couple. During the return movement of the actuator 490 the pawl 483 will merely ride over the top of the ratchet teeth 483. k,A spring 85 connected to the lever 343 and the rod holds the cam roller 342 in contact with the cam surface 34| and tends to assist in returning the ribbon advancing mechanism to normal position.

In a machine of the character forming my invention it is highly desirable to provide means whereby each printing operation thereof is accounted for. Efforts have been made in prior devices to accomplish this result by providing a register which is actuated during the cycle of operation of the machine. However, these prior 'entire forward stroke of the operating lever 88.

devices, especially those of the same class as my invention,y were not effective in preventing fraudulent operation of the device, that is,-ren dering it impossible to produce an impression without recording same on the register. In the present Aembodiment of my invention the register is operated in conjunction with a sensitive full stroke mechanism, 4whereby an operator is prevented from producing an impression without recording it in the register.

Afregister |2a is supported by a bracket |2| secured at one end to the rear angle member 35 by the screws |22. The forward end of the bracket i2! rests upon the rod 5| and is supported thereby, Figs. 3 and 5. The register |20 may be of any conventional type, either nonsettable or resettable, but preferably of the nonresettable type so as to accountaccurately for each operation of the machine and impression made therefrom.

An arm 23 is held rigid to the actuating shaft |24 of the register |20 by a screw |25. A link l is connected at one end to the arm |23 by a stud i2? and at the other end by a stud |28 carried by the full stroke segment |io`2 having a hub fixed on the main operating shaft 06. The full stroke segment |02 is provided with a series of teeth |E2a which are adapted to be operatively engaged after a certain degree of rotation of the shaft 86 by the full stroke dog E00 pivotally connected to a bracket 05 by the stud |05. The bracket |5 having a hub |0611` is supported on the stationary shaft 43. A bifurcated extending portion |02 of the bracket |06 engages a reduced portion of the shaft 5| to prevent lateral displacement of the bracket. A spring |08 is supported at one end by the stud |09 on the bracket |05 and has its other end attached to a stud carried by thedog |04,

A second full` stroke segment |03, similar to the segment |02, has a hub fixed to the main operating shaft 80 and is provided with teeth |03a of substantially-the same pitch as the teeth |02a in the segment 02. As bestshown in Fig. 5, one of the segments |02 and |03 is arranged on the shaft 86 slightly ahead of the other so that lthe teethformed onone of the segments are positioned in alignment with the space between the teeth in the other segment forA the purpose hereinafter set forth. A full stroke dog H0 is supported on the bracket having a hub H2, mounted on the shaft 86 Fig. 3. A bifurcated extending portion of the bracket engages a reduced portion of the shaft 5| to `prevent lateral displacement of the bracket.

The doublefull stroke mechanism comprising the segments |02 and |83, and the dogs |04 and l0 provides a very sensitive mechanism which prohibits manipulation of the operating mechanism so as to produce an authentic recorded impression and alsov one or more impressions which are not recorded in the register. With a single full stroke mechanism, comprising a single dog and segment, there is the likelihood of an unscrupulous operator actuating the machine in a manner to render the single dog ineffective inA preventing more than one impression being made by the device but only registering a single impression.

In the present embodiment, the teeth |02a and |03a are arrangedon the segments |02 and |03 to become eifective after an initial movement of the main shaft 86, that is just prior to the actuation of the ribbon feed mechanism by the cam 340 `and remain effective through the The full stroke' dogs |04 and ||0 ride on the periphery of the segment |02 `and |03 during the first part of the counter-clockwise rotation of 'the' main shaft 80 but Vafter passing"` 'the rst portion of either segment |02 or |03" are spaced `a substantial distance apart, whereas the tee'th which engage the full stroke dogs during; the latter part of the forward stroke of thelever 88, and durin'gfthe first part of the return stroke, are closely arranged at an even pitch. The arrangement of spaced teeth or what may be regarded as the elimination of certain teeth on the segments tends to eliminate a portion of the clicking noise the dogs produce as they pass overthe teeth in the operation of the machine. The equally pitched teeth |0`2a and |0311 are effective during that part of the cycle of operation in which the impression mechanism is actuated to and from cooperation with the printiner Plate 4| positioned at the printing line for the purpose to be described. As the link 'Sii in its downward movement starts to' rock the platen arm 80, the dogs |00 and H0 successively engage the evenly pitched teeth formed in the segments |02 and |03 to prevent a return or a clockwise movement of the shaft 80, Fig. 5. After the platen 1| has been moved into cooperative engagement with the printing plate 0| to produce an impression on the sheet interposed between the members of the printing couples, the last tooth `|0`tt and w3c of each segment |02 and |03 passes the full stroke dogs so that they are temporarily disengaged from the teeth of the segments. However, at this point, the imprinted sheet is held from withdrawal from the machine by the cooperative engagement of the members of the printing couple.

The imprint being made on the sheet and the dogs |04 and |60 released, the operatingmechanism'may be returned to normal position. vUpon the' start of the return or clockwise rotation of the shaft 80, the full stroke dogs again enter the teeth |02a and |0305 to prevent a counterclockwise rotation of the shaft and necessitatethe' continued clockwise rotation of the shaft until the operating mechanism is returned to normal position'. v'Through the link |20the return clockwise movement of the plate |02 affects the actuationof the register so as t0 add "1 to theV register. The actuation ofthe register is effected before the full stroke dogs |04||0`leaves the equally `pitched teeth |02a and |03a in the return 'clockwise rotation of theshaft 80, Fig. 5.

It will now be seen that-after the main operating shaft 80vis actuated in'a counter-clockwise direction sufficiently to start the movement of the operating mechanism, the full stroke dogs engage the teeth of the full stroke segments |02 `and |03, thereby requiring a continued movement of the shaft 86 in a counter-clockwise direction until an impression is made on the sheet. Immediately upon the beginning of the return 'clockwise rotation of the shaft 80, Fig. 5, the full stroke dogs are again effective to prevent a counter-clockwise rotation of said shaft while the register is being actuated and until the platen and ribbon feed mechanisms are returned to normal position.

The full stroke segments |02 and |03 are arranged one half tooth ahead of one another on the shaft 86 so that as one of the full stroke dogs |84 and 8 pass from one tooth to the other of one of the full stroke segments, the other dog is in engagement with the tooth in the other segment.v This progressive and alternate engagement of th-e dogs |84 and ||8, With their respective segments prohibits the reverse rotation of the shaft 86 prior to the full stroke in one operating direction. This shaft 86 canont be actuated in a manner to permit unrecorded or surreptitious operation of the printing mechanism. The operator cannot actuate the operating handle 88 to displace the full stroke dogs so that the shaft 86 can be actuated in a counter-clockwise direction to produce an impression on a sheet Without actuating the register. f

The front ribbon supply. spool 98 is removably latched in the supporting brackets 32 fixed on each of the side plates 2| and Zla by the latching means generally indicated by the reference numeral 92, Figs. 3, 4 and 5. This latching means not forming a part of this invention will not be described in detail. With this arrangement a new supply of ribbon 89 may be readily inserted in the machine. However, in a machine of the character described, it is possible to use the ribbon over several times by rewinding it from the winding spool to the supply spool.

' As shown in Fig. 10, the printing plate 4| is provided with a collapsible grip .handle comprising a member |15 pivoted at |11 Within a transverse groove `or slot |16 formed in the plate. The member |15 has its extending portion |18 roughened to provide a means to rmly grip the handle. A grasshopper spring |19, having one end contacting the wall of the slot |16 in the plate and the other end arranged in an undercut portion of the member |15, tends at all times to move the handle lmember |15 to the protruding posivtion shown in Fig. 10.

` When the printing plate carrier 42 is adjusted to the load position, shown in Fig. 8, the printing plate 4| is readily removed from the carrier 42 which is then adjusted in alignment with the openings 62 in the side plate 2| and casing |8. As shown by the full lines in Fig. 9, the printing plate 4| and the carrier 42 are adjusted to the load position, the handle member |15 by action of the spring |19 is permitted to protrude through the openings 62 in the side plate 2| and the casing plate 23. However, when the carrier 42 and plate 4| are moved away from the load position, the member |15 engages the Wall of the `opening 62 and against the action of the spring |19, is moved into its slot in the printing plate 4| as shownby the dotted line position of the plate 4|, Fig. 9. It Will be noted from Fig. 9 in the position shown by the dotted lines, the portion generally indicated at |18 of the member |15 is in engagement with the inside wall of the side plate 2|. f

A detaileddescription of the operation of each part of the mechanism has already been given,

and it will now sufiice to review briey the operation of the machine as a Whole. Assuming that at the start of a business day an executive desires to condition the machine so that an operator entrusted with its actual operation may produce impressions, as for example, sign checks throughout the day. For safetys sake, when not in use, the signature plate or die is preferably removed from the machine by theV executive and placed in a safe as an ultimate safeguard against fraudulent use thereof. Therefore, upon procuring the signature die or plate, the executive inserts his key in the eXecutives lock 45 and upon turning the lock, the bolt 49 is withdrawn from the path of the cover latch 58. The latch 58 now being free to move, the executive grasps the knob 51 and moves it from the non-print position,

shown in Fig. 2, to the position indicated as load v position. The shifting of the knob 51, causes the carrier 42 to be moved to the load position, best shown in Fig. 8. In this position the carrier 42 is in alignment with the openings 62 in the casing and side plate so that the signature plate or die 4| may be readily inserted in the carrier. Upon releasing the knob 51, with the plate properly inserted in the carrier, the spring |88 returns the carrier to the non-print position shown in Figs. 2 and '7. The executive may then turn his lock to the locked position again placing the bolt 49 in the path of the latch 58 to prevent unauthorized shifting to the carrier 42 to the load position. Itis therefore, to be understood that with the executives lock in the locked position, the carrier 42 cannot be shifted so as to permit the insertion or removal of a printing plate or die, that is, the executive has full control at all times over the shifting of the carrier 42 to the load position as a safeguard against unauthorized removal of the printing plate as well as unauthorized insertion of a printing plate into the machine at any time. The printing plate or die 4| now having been inserted and the knob 51 released so as to permit the carrier 42 to be moved from the load position to the non-print position, the machine is conditioned by the eX- ecutive so that it may be turned over to an operator for actuation in the manner to be hereinafter described.

Inasmuch as the maker of a check or the executive in charge of the machine desires to know accurately the number of impressions produced by a signing machine of the character forming my invention, the count of the register |28 is carefully noted. Therefore, the maker or executive may at any time thereafter ascertain the number of impressions produced by the machine while it is in custody of the operator. It is customary for the executive to take a reading upon turning the machine over to an operator and then another reading when the signature plate is removed. The procedure permits the executive to accurately check the number of impressions produced by an operator in the course of a day or during any period.

In the event it is desired or found necessary to gain access to the internal mechanism of the machine the executive may do so at any time by unlocking his lock 45. By unlocking this lock the top plate 34may be readily removed and inasmuch asthe dowel pins 33 are carried thereby, the front and back plates 25 and 26 may also be readily removed. Upon unlocking the executive lock 45, the cover 34 may be removed by shifting the knob 51 from the non-print position to the load position. It will be seen that the hooked portions 53 and 61 of the cover latches 58 and 65 are moved out of the path of the studs 54 and 54a carried by the side flanges of the cover plate 34. Therefore, upon moving the latches 58 and 65, the cover plate-34 may be readily removed from the top of the machine by the executive. The dowel pins 33 carried by the cover plate 34 are Withdrawn from the openings in the top edges of the cover plates 25 and 26 thereby permitting the back and front cover plates to be taken from the machine. This structure prevents anyone other than one having the eXecutives lock key from 'las `gaining access to the operating mechanism within the casing of the'mach'ine.

Access to the platen mechanism and'other parts in the base section 1l2l ofthe machine may be had by unlocking the lockfBZ carried by the bottom cover 29. Unlockingy the lock 92 withdrawsthe bolt 33 from its position over the tie rod 94 and permits the cover 29 to be swung outward 'on the hook bracket '9e carried lby the cover 25 and engaging rear tie rod 94er, Fig. 5. The cover-2`9 may then be unhooked and set aside. I nd it convenient in this 'instance to use a vlock for securing the base cover 29 which can be opened by the 'same key used for the executive lock`45.

The machine vmay be conditioned for Yoperation by an operator by inserting his key in the lock "63 and turning the .boltwthere'of Unlocking lock 63, withdraws the bolt i841 from the portionqii of the cover latch "65 allowing the spring lili) to move the type carrier [i2 from the non-print position to the print position, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, thereby positioning the signature plate "di at the printing line of the machine.

As best shown in Figs. '7 and 8, when the knob 5'! and the carrier '42 are positioned eitherat the non-print or load positions, the extension 59a of the guard plate 59, is in the path of the plate '86d xed on the main shaft 86. Therefore, it will be seen that any substantial movement of the main operating shaft 8&5 is prevented when the carrier 42 and the knob 5] are in any position other than that of print, that is, with' the printing plate M positioned 'at the printing line of the machine asl shown in Figs, 4 and 5. In the `latter position, the portion 53a, of the guard 59 is inove'd out of the path of the plate 85a thereby permitting free rotation of the main operating shaft 86. It will likewise be seen that in the event the operating mechanism is in an off-normal position, the plate 86a will be in the path of the extension 59a to prohibit movement of the carrier selecting means including the knob The guard plate 59 movable with the carrier '42 serves to partly or entirely cover the openings G2 in the cover and side plate when the carrier 42 and knob 51 are in the non-print or print positions. The guard plate 59 serves to cover the openings, especially when the carrier 42 is in the print position, so as to prevent tampering with the operating mechanism in an effort to defraud the machine. o It will be seen that the operator having conditioned the machine as just described, that is, unlocked his lock 63 and positioned the printing plate 4l at the printing line, can actuate` the operating handle 88 to `rotate the main shaft. Through its operative connections with the impression mechanism a counter-clockwise rotation of shaft 86, Fig. 5, will cause an impression to be produced on any instrument positioned between thecooperating-members el and Il of the printing couple to imprint or sign any number of checks or other instruments. Doue to the fact that the registery is operatively connected with the main shaft B6, each actuationof the ma.- chine is recorded thereon. o o

The double full stroke mechanism comprising the toothed segments lzand ill'adapted to cooperate with the dogs H34 and Il!) controlsthe operating cycle o f the machine in either Vdirection, that is, after the operating shaft 86 has been rotated suIicien-tly to move any of the operating mechanism it cannot be returned to normal position without completing its fullcycle of opero ation. The cycle of operation includes moving the members of the printingcouple into cooperative engagement to produce an impression, recording the impression on the register |20, and

actuating the ribbon feeding mechanism to ad- Vance the ink ribbon '39 between the members of the printing couple. The double full stroke `mechanism eliminates the possibility of either dog s being displaced with relation to its respective tooth4 segment as it `passes from tooth to tooth,

in that with the staggered arrangement 'of the full vsroke 'ratchets as one dog passes from tooth to tooth "onits respective segment, the other dog is brought into engagement with a tooth on its s respective segment. This dual Ifull stroke mechanism having the full stroke ratchets staggered further provides the minimum rof idle motion as the dogs pass from tooth to tooth of the ratchets, thereby reducing the possibility of manipulationof the machine to produce impressions without recording them on the register. With this dual mechanism, the possibility of backing up the impression mechanism just enough after an impression hasbeen made to permit removal of the sheet and the insertion of another sheet is eliminated. Therefore, thecycle of operation of vthe, machine must be completedupon making eachfimp'ression and the arrangement does not permit of successive or incomplete actuation to produce impressions without recording them on the register.

The operators lock renders the normal printing operation rof the machine to be under his control. Any time that the machine is not in use limited to the precise details described, but is` intended to cover all variations and modifications thereof falling within the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim -as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. lIn a machine'of the class described, a printing plate holder adapted to be'shifted from a commonposition to a plurality of predetermined positions, a` plurality of key operated locking means, one of said locking means adaptedao release saidplate holder for motion to and from said common position to "a certain position, another of said locking means adapted to release said plate holder formotion to 'and from said plate holderhavin'g a normal non-print positionan'dradapted to be rocked yto afprint` or a load position, and means for rocking said plate holder, two independent locking means, one of sai'dfiocking means adapted to release said plate holder` forocking motion "from said non-print position to'said print position, and the other 'of said locking means adapted to releasesaid;

lsupporting means, a removable printing plate carried by said plate holder, said printing plate holder having a normal non-print position and adapted to be shifted to a prin or a .1oad position, means for shifting said plate holder, two

independent locking means normally preventing the shifting of said plate holder, one of said locking means adapted to release said plate holderl for movement from said non-print position 'to said. print position, the other said locking means adapted to release said plate holder for movement from said non-printf position to said load position, and a means for removing said printing plate from said holder when the latter is positioned at said load position.

4. In a machine of the class described, a sup,- porting means, a printing couple including a printing plate and a platen member on said supporting means, means for moving said printing plate and said platen into cooperative engagement, a pivoted carrier for removably supporting said printing plate, aplurality of independent key operated locking means for preventing the movement of said pivoted carrier to and from a plurality of predetermined positions, one of said locking means adapted to release said carrier for movement to one of said predetermined positions, another of said locking means adapted to release said carrier for movement to another 35, of said predetermined positions,` andmeans for moving said pivoted carrier.

5. In a machine of the class-described, a supporting means, a printing couple on said supporting means including a printing plate and a platen impression means, a pivoted plate carrier for removably supporting said printing plate, means for shifting said carrier to and from a printing position in the machine and to a plate removing position, means for effecting cooperavtive engagement of said printing couple, two independent key operated locking means, one of said locking means adapted to release said plate carrier for movement to said printing position, and the other of said locking means adapted to release said carrier for movementto a position for the removal of said printing plate from said plate carrier.

6. In a machine of the class described, a support, a printing plate carrier pivoted on said support and shiftable to a plurality of predetermined positions, control members movable With said carrier, control arms operatively connected with said members, means connected to said control arms for shifting said control members and said carrierftwo independent key operated locking means, one of said locking means cooperating with one of said arms and adapted torelease said plate carrier so that it may be shifted to one position, and the other of said locking means cooperating with another of said arms and adapted to release said carrier so that it maybe shifted to another position. c

7. In a machine of the class described, a support, a carrier pivoted on said support and shiftable to a plurality of predetermined positions, a printing plate removably mounted in said carrier,

control members arranged adjacent each end of said carrier and movable therewith, a second support, control arms pivoted on said second support and operatively connected to said control members, means connected with said arms for moving said control members and said carrier, two separa-te locks, one of said locks adapted to engage one of said armsto prevent movement of said control members and said carrier to one of said positions, and the other of said locks adapted to engage the other of said control arms to prevent movement of said control members and carrier to another of said positions.

8. In a machine of the class described, a supporting means, a printing couple on said supporting means, said printing couple including a removable printing plate and a platen member, operating means `for moving said printing couple into cooperative engagement, a shiftable plate holder supporting said printing plate, means for shifting said holder from a normal position to either a print or a plate load position, two independent key operated locking means for normally preventing the shifting of said plate holder and the actuation of said operating means, one of said locking means adapted to release said plate holder for movement to said plate load` position, and the other of said locking means adapted to release said holder for movement to said print position as Well as to release said operating means for normal actuation of said printing couple.

, 9. In a machine of the class described, a supporting means, a printing couple on said supporting means, including a printing plate and a platen member, a shifting plate carrier on said supporting means having said printing plate removably mounted therein, means for shifting said carrier to a plurality of predetermined positions, operating means for moving said printing couple into cooperative engagement, removable'cover means for certain of the operating mechanism of the machine, two independent key operated locking means for preventing the movement of said carrier and actuation of said operating means as well as to permit removal of said cover means, one of said locking means adaptedy to release said plate carrier for movement to one of said positions and also permit of the normal actuation of said operating means, and the other of said locking means adapted to release said carrier for movementv -to another of said positions and also permit of the removal of said cover means.

10. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a printing couple including a printing plate and platen impression means supported in said frame, a pivoted carrier removably supporting said printing plate also carried by said frame, said carrier adapted to be shifted to a plurality of predetermined positions, means for shifting said carrier, said frame having an opening relative to the path of travel of said shiftable carrier, a gripper means yieldingly supported on said printing plate, said gripper means adapted to project through `said opening in said frame when said carrier is substantially aligned With said opening Ito provide means for readily removing said plate from said carrier, and said gripper means adapted to yield in contacting the edge of said opening of said frame when the said carrier is moved out of alignment with said frame opening so that it is moved to an inaccessible position Within said frame.

11. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a printing couple supported by said frame, said printing couple including a printing plate tand a platen impression means, a pivoted carrier removably lsupporting said printing plate and adapted to be shifted to a plurality of predetergagement of said printing couple operable when` said carrier is shifted to a position at the printing line of the machine, said frame having an opening disposed from said printing line of the machine but in the path of travel of said carrier, said shifting means adapted to move said carrier to one position at said printing line or to another position to .substantially align it with said frame opening so that said printing plate may be readily removed from said carrier, and a guard member shiftable with said carrier and adapted to be positioned substantially over said frame opening When said carrier is shifted to said printing line of the machine.

12. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a shaft supported by said frame, an oscillatable yoke member on said shaft, a removable printing plate carried by said yoke, said yoke having a normal position and being adapted to be oscillated to a position at the printing line of the machine or to a plate removing position, an impression means, operating means for eiective cooperative engagement of said printing plate and said impression means When said yoke is positioned at said printing line, a control member at one side of said yoke and movable therewith, a second member at the other side of said yoke and movable therewith, a tie rod, latch levers supported on said tie rod and operably connected with said control and said second members, means lfor moving said latch levers to eiTect movement of said yoke member to and from said positions, a removable cover portion, studs on said cover portion adapted to be engaged by said latch levers, two independent key operated locks, one of said locks adapted to engage said latch lever connected with said control member to prevent movement i of said yoke member to said plate removing position, and also the vmovement of said latches out of the engagement with said studs on said cover portion, and the other of said locks adapted to engage the latch lever connected to said second member so as to prevent movement of said yoke member to said printing line position.

13. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a shaft supported by said frame, an oscillatable plate holder on said shaft, a removable printing plate carried by said plate holder, said holder having a normal position and being adapted to be oscillated to either a position at the printing line of the machine or to a plate removing position, an impression means, operating means for eiecting cooperative engagement of said printing plate and said impression means When said holder is at said printing line position, a control member carried by said holder, a second member carried by said holder, a tie rod, latch levers supported on said tie rod and operatively connected with said control member and said second member, selecting means for moving said latch levers to effect movement of said holder to and from said positions, stop means operable with said operating means, two independent key operated locks, one of said locks adapted to engage said latch lever connected with said control member to prevent movement of said holder to said plate removing position, the other of said locks adapted to engage the latch lever connected to said second member so as to prevent movement of said holder to said printing line position, and said control member being provided With an extending portion adapted to cooperate With said stop means when said holder is in any other than said printing line position so as to prevent actuation of said operating means.

14. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a shaft supported by said frame, a shiftable plate holder on said shaft, a removable printing plate carried by said holder, said holder having a normal position and adapted to be shifted to either aposition'at the printing line of the machine or to a plate removing position, an impression means, operating means having a normal position of rest and operative to eiTect cooperative engagement of said printing plate and said impression means, selecting means for shifting said holder to and from said positions, an interlock mechanism adapted to prevent movement of said selecting means when said operating means is in any other than its normal position of rest, and to prevent movement of said operating means when said holder is in any other than printing line position.

15. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a shaft supported by said frame, a shiftable plate holder on said shaft, a removable printing plate carried by said holder, said holder having a normal position and adapted to be shifted to either a position at the printing line of the machine or to a plate removing position, an impression means, operating means having a normal position of rest and operative to eiect cooperative engagement of said printing plate and said impression means,

selecting means for shifting said holder to and from said positions, an interlock mechanism, said interlock mechanism comprising a plate member operative With said operating means and a control element operative with said holder, said plate member adapted to prevent movement of said control element when said operating means is in any other than its normal position of rest, and said control element adapted to prevent movement of said operating means when said holder is in any other than printing line position. V 16. In a machine of the class described, a supporting means, a printing couple on said supporting means including a printing plate and a platen member, a plate carrier on said supporting means having said printing plate removably mounted therein, means for shifting said carrier to a plu'- rality of predetermined positions, operating means for moving said printing couple into cooperative engagement, key operated locking means for said carrier, removable cover means supporting said locking means, said locking means comprising tWo independent key operated locks for preventing the shifting of said carrier and the actuation of said operating means as Well as to prevent removal of said cover means, one of said locks adapted to release said carrier for shifting movement to one of said predetermined positions and also permit of the normal operation of said operating means,

lthe other of said locks adapted to release said 

